PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - With a cold snap taking over most of the area, the Salem women's basketball team took the trip up to the Steel City this afternoon for one last contest in the 2024-2025 season. Salem played well throughout, but were unable to get past the Pioneers on their home floor. 

In the first, the Tigers had a tough time getting the scoring going initially. However, they were able to regroup and lean on the strong interior play of senior Liliani Krause to get back into the game. However, the slow start resulted in Point Park controlling the game at 19-11 after the first. 

In the second, Salem slowly began whittling their way back into the contest. Cassandra Smith played well for Salem, but the Pioneers were still able to control the contest at 43-23 going into the halftime break. 

After the intermission, Salem got right back to building their comeback bid. They shifted gears and found some solid scoring opportunities from the outside for Kori Pillette and Akhia Miller, but again Point Park was able to rally to maintain their 56-43 lead going into the final frame.

In the final frame, the Tigers mounted a dramatic rally, and brought the game within a few possessions late in the game. However, the Pioneers were able to pull away late on their home floor to win the game 77-66. 

Statistically, Salem was led by 22 points from seniors Cassandra Smith and Liliani Krause. Smith added a double-double to her day as well with 10 rebounds. Kamryn Ruffin also chipped in 11 points to round out the Tigers scoring in double figures.

This contest concludes the 2024-2025 season for the Salem women's basketball team. The program will be looking to build on the progress made this season as they shift into offseason preparations for the 2025-2026 campaign.